Affalterbach – Enhanced driving dynamics ex factory for the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG: the new Performance Package Plus is an attractive optional extra that is designed to appeal to the power-hungry sports driver. The Performance Package Plus increases output by 22 kW/30 hp to 358 kW/487 hp. As a result, the C-Class approaches the level of performance offered by C-Class DTM vehicles, which deliver 377 kW/500 hp. The Performance Package Plus is available for the saloon and estate models and includes an AMG high-performance braking system featuring composite technology on the front axle, a carbon fibre spoiler lip (saloon) and an AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather/Alcantara.

With the Performance Package Plus, the C 63 AMG accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h in 13.9 seconds. This beats the 336 kW/457 hp standard model by up to 1.2 seconds (0–100 km/h: 4.5 seconds; 0–200 km/h: 15.2 seconds). The top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).

The improvement in power output to 358 kW/487 hp is due to the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine's modified engine compartment: the forged pistons adopted from the new SLS AMG super sports car together with new connecting rods and a lightweight crankshaft translate into a weight saving of three kilograms. Reduced inertia boosts the agility and responsiveness of the uprated V8 engine, which is recognisable from the variable intake manifold painted in titanium grey. New engine management completes the powertrain measures in the Performance Package Plus for the C 63 AMG.

AMG high-performance braking system featuring composite technology

The Performance Package Plus braking system has been adapted to the enhanced driving dynamics. A new AMG high-performance braking system ensures greater stability when driving dynamically, with compound brake discs on the front axle and red painted brake callipers all round showing the AMG logo. The brake discs feature a composite design and are connected to an aluminium bowl to avoid temperature peaks. The connection between the disc and bowl is new: instead of the usual screw connection, the aluminium bowl is now connected to the brake disc via cast-in arms. The advantage is more homogenous temperature distribution on the brake disc.

A further identifying feature of the Performance Package Plus is the AMG carbon fibre spoiler lip on the boot lid (saloon). In the interior, the AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather with a grip area trimmed in Alcantara feels good, while at the same time making a striking visual impact.

The new AMG Performance Package Plus is available for C 63 AMG saloon and estate models and can be ordered now. The sales price is €7080.50 or €646 (saloon/estate; prices include 19% VAT) with the market launch taking place in December 2009.

Extended appointments in black designo leather

New black designo leather as an optional extra will enhance the interior even further and covers the upper section of the dashboard, the upper door trim and the armrest on the centre console. This high-quality feature is available in conjunction with nappa leather appointments for €2856 (price includes 19% VAT).

The internationally successful C 63 AMG model

The C 63 AMG is one of the most popular vehicles in the Mercedes-AMG model range. In 2008, 8100 units of this high-performance car were sold worldwide. The C 63 AMG demonstrates its sports credentials in international motorsport as well as on the road. For example, the C 63 AMG estate is used as the official F1™ medical car and the C 63 AMG saloon acts as a safety car in the DTM German Touring Car Masters.

Mercedes with it's 'Performance Package Plus' and BMW testing their M3 GT4 'Street', do you get the feeling that they are preparing to put up a fight with the eagerly anticipated RS5.

It's not like BMW nor Mercedes to offer improvement beyond what they already have up to now. I wonder do they know something about the potential of the RS5 that we all don't?

Great news that all these models are being spiced up even further for the enthusiast.

My only question with the RS5.....how can AUDI justify making it better than the V8 R8...performance numbers speaking.

The E92 6MT can do the "Ring" 1 second slower than the V8 R8.....what kind of positioning and pricing would a RS5 be in if it does the "Ring" significantly lower...meaning a coupe within the same product line is better in all regards except maybe "class" and be probably tens of thousands cheaper.

My only question with the RS5.....how can AUDI justify making it better than the V8 R8...performance numbers speaking.

The E92 6MT can do the "Ring" 1 second slower than the V8 R8.....what kind of positioning and pricing would a RS5 be in if it does the "Ring" significantly lower...meaning a coupe within the same product line is better in all regards except maybe "class" and be probably tens of thousands cheaper.

Makes one think.

Supercars.net has a time of 8:01 for the R8 V8, from Autobild.

They also have a time for the RS4 of 7:58.

So really they already have done what you say.

I really just think someone still needs to rip off a good solid lap for the R8 V8. The R8 V10 has a lap of 7:44, which is quicker than a Gallardo Superlaggera.

My only question with the RS5.....how can AUDI justify making it better than the V8 R8...performance numbers speaking.

The E92 6MT can do the "Ring" 1 second slower than the V8 R8.....what kind of positioning and pricing would a RS5 be in if it does the "Ring" significantly lower...meaning a coupe within the same product line is better in all regards except maybe "class" and be probably tens of thousands cheaper.

Makes one think.

Could the same argument not be directed at the M3 vs the M6, one is also tens of thousands and much slower on almost all track situations. Which is actually unlikely for the RS5 compared to the R8, for some reason unknown to anyone the R8 appears to be slow around the N-ring in comparison to other cars it's times compete with on other tracks.

But back to the whole RS5 vs C63PPP and M3 GT4 'Street', I can only assume that both manufacturers see the RS5 as a real threat, probably much more than ever the RS4 was.

P.S.
If the M3 did 8:05 and the CSL did 7:50 on admittedly even slicker rubber, would it seem logical to imagine that BMW has set as a goal some where slap bang in the middle and if so then is it also logical to imagine that BMW may well think that is close to what the RS5 is truly capable of. Mercedes paddles a different path to both Audi and BMW, and generally as long as it's track performance is close enough they know that their image plus straight line speed is plenty to hold on to the faithful.

In my opinion the two big player in this sector are Audi and BMW and the most performance innovations will come from either one of these two, Audi with everything to prove and BMW with the crown to hold on to.

But seriously the C63 PPP seems cool, Question is will it be available in the US market? It's good they covered that shitty dashboard in leather now.

Sorry, I just don't view things as single threads but a reaction to what someone else is doing. In the end it's all great for the enthusiast and that was my whole point involving the RS5, it's my take on why Mercedes are doing what they did.

+1.. Even in the non PP interior, the perforation and the grooves on the steering wheel are a much better feel and thought out than the m3's thick and easily stained wheel. The seats? Oh they're sublime.

"You will get there, but it is up to you and you alone. It is what you are willing to do, and how you are willing to get there. You must be relentless, you must be tireless, you must pursue at all costs, so that you are ready, when the time is right." -Dad